Satires of Circumstance

poetry by Hardy

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July 20, 2026

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Satires of Circumstance is a collection of poems by Thomas Hardy, published in 1914. While Hardy is primarily known for his novels, this collection showcases his poetic work. The title itself suggests a focus on irony and the unexpected twists of fate that life can present.

Verse satire, in general, often follows a structure where a vice or folly is examined, and an opposing virtue is recommended. While the poems in Satires of Circumstance may explore various themes and tones, they contribute to Hardy's broader literary legacy, which includes challenging societal norms and exploring the complexities of human experience.123

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Thomas Hardy
Poetry
…of 1912–13” in the collection Satires of Circumstance (1914) publicly proclaimed her husband’s continuing devotion to her predecessor—her attention to Hardy’s health, comfort, and privacy made a crucial contribution to his remarkable productivity in old age. Late in his eighth decade he published a fifth volume of verse, Moments of…
Read More
…of 1912–13” in the collection Satires of Circumstance (1914) publicly proclaimed her husband’s continuing devotion to her predecessor—her attention to Hardy’s health, comfort, and privacy made a crucial contribution to his remarkable productivity in old age. Late in his eighth decade he published a fifth volume of verse, Moments of…
Read More